Asmus Toys Lord of the Ring Gandalf Gray

[ShadowGuardian]

Okay! So I actually ended up being able to pick up Gandalf from the Post Office today after all instead of waiting until Monday. This will be the first part of my little review if anybody cares for it. Mine came from BBTS and just like all you other BBTS collectors, the pipe came in a separate baggie outside of the shipper and the one staff does not have a hole for the pipe to go into.

To preface all this, here's my first impression: I am really liking this figure so far. However, if you are someone who likes to get a figure, take it out of the box and instantly have it display ready, you will HATE this figure. Fixing the QC issues aside, the nature of the outfit and character requires some work. Thankfully I enjoy futzing around with my figures and getting them to look just perfect (outside of full on custom stuff; I'm not breaking out paints or anything like that), but if you're not into that this could be a nightmare. Even swapping the hands isn't overly easy because Gandalf's base layer has thumb holes, so you gotta work the hands in and out of that. I don't consider stuff like that to be cons because it is film accurate, but for those who like to pose it could get irritating.

For starters, I know it's just the box but I LOVE the box and packaging for this thing. It's equivalent to a DX release from Hot Toys. Beautiful artwork all around, and I especially like the half slip cover over the book style box. For the most part everything is well packaged, though I wasn't overly impressed with the way the head was seated in its little box (though there is no damage or anything so that's what matter most). Also oddly enough, the sword wasn't in it's proper spot either. The photos are exactly as it looked when I opened it.


After taking everything out of the box, I immediately turned to the display base. I know some aren't big on it, but so far it's one of those things I really really like (I am also a total sucker for diorama bases though). It looks great and I love the grass. I have not actually posed the figure on it yet, but as is the base is a major win in my book. Now I know there have been a lot of complaints about the mail box. Mine also did not really peg in well; I took a knife and widened the base of the hole just a tad, then took a hair dryer to it and shoved the post in there good. It stays in place now. I did have one of the plants flaking off some weird clear coating; I was able to rub the flaking off easy enough and it still looks normal, but it could be one of those little things that adds up in overall impression. To be fair, I wasn't sure if the hair dryer heat did that or not because I noticed it after the fact.


As far as the staff goes, yes some of them do not have the hole for the pipe and I have no idea why some have it and some don't. Just bizarre. I looked back at the original promo photos and the hole for the pipe is indeed in there, so it wasn't like some last minute addition Asmus tried on a few figures to see if it was feasible. In any case, yes it is annoying but at least it is an easy fix. If you want to do it yourself, I recommend using a 3/32" drill bit. To get it accurate to the film, there should be 2 holes (1 upper 1 lower). You can see mine here:


I'll share some more thoughts on the figure itself and other accessories later, because I actually have not gotten it all together yet (haven't even tried putting the head on even!). Once I saw davejames photos, I knew immediately that I wanted to do the water treatment along with some extra weathering/fraying to the travel cloak. I did a light sanding along all the edges of the outer cloak, then some extra distressing along the bottom portions. It helps to make some incisions along the edge, without cutting the stitching near the edge, and then sanding with 80 grit sandpaper. Additionally I messed around with the belts quite a lot. I retied both because I thought they should be tighter and at a different height. Lastly I then took a spray bottle to the entire figure and it is now currently drying off.

 

[davejames]

Very good, you managed to get rid of the extreme glossy effect.
Yet, I was wondering if there is a way to soften that deep black shadow which looks like an eyeliner from some perspectives.
Also, the shadow is so intense that the sclera sometimes becomes greyish, almost black indeed.
Apart from these things, the sculpt is great and the likeness is basically perfect.

I think one thing that would definitely help (and not require too much skill to do) is painting the whites of the eyes a lighter gray, as that might fight that overly deep-set look they have. Because when you look at the eyeballs on their own (they pop in and out of the sockets pretty easily), you'll notice that Asmus painted them a really dark gray for some reason, and much darker than the proto. So it's no wonder they often look black in some photos.

 

[gaiden1992]

I think one thing that would definitely help (and not require too much skill to do) is painting the whites of the eyes a lighter gray, as that might fight that overly deep-set look they have. Because when you look at the eyeballs on their own (they pop in and out of the sockets pretty easily), you'll notice that Asmus painted them a really dark gray for some reason, and much darker than the proto. So it's no wonder they often look black in some photos.

True. I saw a review by The Figure Pit channel and throughout the video Gandalf eyes look pitch black, as if the figure was wearing a "horror" mask.

Inviato dal mio Pixel 2 XL utilizzando Tapatalk

 

[Rzeznikk]

I think one thing that would definitely help (and not require too much skill to do) is painting the whites of the eyes a lighter gray, as that might fight that overly deep-set look they have. Because when you look at the eyeballs on their own (they pop in and out of the sockets pretty easily), you'll notice that Asmus painted them a really dark gray for some reason, and much darker than the proto. So it's no wonder they often look black in some photos.

That might help indeed. Though my Eyes do not want to come out very easily. And they are tough to move. I'm afraid if I do pop them out they may not go back in very easily.

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[Rzeznikk]

Well here's my first time doing hair on eyebrows and my second time doing a mustache. It's a bit tougher than I anticipated, but I'm pretty happy with the turn out. I may try to add a bit more to the mustache. Trying to avoid going too much.
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[davejames]

Great work Rzeznikk! When it comes to this head, I think any extra bit of detail helps.

 

[notdagreatbrain]

Nice job! The eyebrows look great! What did you use to punch those in?


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[ThomastheTank57]

Sculpt is nice. Box is nice. Rooted hair and beard. The rest of the figure, accessories and diorama base are such disappointments. Lower body feels very cheap, dio base is an absolute mess. Eyeball feature is just not set up for success. Can Asmus please make tighter grips to hold heavy die cast swords please.

 

[ShadowGuardian]

I got the figure all together, did all the necessary futzing, and finally got to execute my idea for the hat. The patch blocking the hole comes of super easy; I was able to literally just pull it off. Took out the magnet and the foam, stuffed about half of it tight with aluminum foil, stuffed the foam back in a voila. I am personally happy with the hat now; don't feel the need to get a custom one.

To everyone who is complaining about this figure in all sorts of ways..... I simply don't understand. Like a few of the complaints (ex/ hat) I can totally understand, but other stuff like the base being a fail or the accessories sucking? What? Or even the eyes, I admit they are hard to photograph but in person I see no issue with them. Definitely blown out of proportion on this thread IMO. I mean at the end of the day, like what you like but I think later on down the road those who have cancelled will be regretting it and most of the community will be praising this thing for years to come.

I absolutely LOVE this thing and dare I say it is one of the best figures I have ever owned. I am putting it up there with the DX15 Jack Sparrow. I have very few complaints. One of the biggest is I feel the base is a bit too small. I love the detailing on it, but if it had more room for the figure itself that would be ideal. As is, I still think it looks good. I knew going into it the hat was going to suck and yes it's poor out of the box. I worked on it for about 10 minutes and now I am happy with it. This is my first Asmus figure and while the price was steep (especially after import fees), I have no regrets. I plan on holding onto this for years.

Photos without hat:


Photos with hat:


Gandalf with my brothers Asmus LOTR figures:


2 of my all time favorites:

 

[wantanin]

Simply amazing. So you removed the patch of the hat, removed half of the foam and the stuffed back tighter and then the magnet? or not magnet at all? (Gonna do as as yours)

 

[Stanlore]

I got the figure all together, did all the necessary futzing, and finally got to execute my idea for the hat. The patch blocking the hole comes of super easy; I was able to literally just pull it off. Took out the magnet and the foam, stuffed about half of it tight with aluminum foil, stuffed the foam back in a voila. I am personally happy with the hat now; don't feel the need to get a custom one.

To everyone who is complaining about this figure in all sorts of ways..... I simply don't understand. Like a few of the complaints (ex/ hat) I can totally understand, but other stuff like the base being a fail or the accessories sucking? What? Or even the eyes, I admit they are hard to photograph but in person I see no issue with them. Definitely blown out of proportion on this thread IMO. I mean at the end of the day, like what you like but I think later on down the road those who have cancelled will be regretting it and most of the community will be praising this thing for years to come.

I absolutely LOVE this thing and dare I say it is one of the best figures I have ever owned. I am putting it up there with the DX15 Jack Sparrow. I have very few complaints. One of the biggest is I feel the base is a bit too small. I love the detailing on it, but if it had more room for the figure itself that would be ideal. As is, I still think it looks good. I knew going into it the hat was going to suck and yes it's poor out of the box. I worked on it for about 10 minutes and now I am happy with it. This is my first Asmus figure and while the price was steep (especially after import fees), I have no regrets. I plan on holding onto this for years.

Great review, beautiful pictures, and thank you very much for the tips on the hat. Yours's is looking great !

Also, great work on the hair. I think its super important to create some volume with the hair on both sides to shape the head properly, which you've done an awesome job. Don't understand why people care if other collectors buy or skip a certain piece since as it won't affect your personal enjoyment. Let them complain, i mean give their opinion, maybe its what brings them joy. Still waiting upon receiving mine.

 

[Life_m2000]

Shadow that?s the best I?ve seen the hat look.
No need for custom based on your pics.
Great job dude!

 

[Rzeznikk]

Great work Rzeznikk! When it comes to this head, I think any extra bit of detail helps.

Thanks man. I agree its a great figure and if you are willing to put the extra tlc into it I can only get better.

Nice job! The eyebrows look great! What did you use to punch those in?

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I used Rocket Glue

I got the figure all together, did all the necessary futzing, and finally got to execute my idea for the hat. The patch blocking the hole comes of super easy; I was able to literally just pull it off. Took out the magnet and the foam, stuffed about half of it tight with aluminum foil, stuffed the foam back in a voila. I am personally happy with the hat now; don't feel the need to get a custom one.

To everyone who is complaining about this figure in all sorts of ways..... I simply don't understand. Like a few of the complaints (ex/ hat) I can totally understand, but other stuff like the base being a fail or the accessories sucking? What? Or even the eyes, I admit they are hard to photograph but in person I see no issue with them. Definitely blown out of proportion on this thread IMO. I mean at the end of the day, like what you like but I think later on down the road those who have cancelled will be regretting it and most of the community will be praising this thing for years to come.

I absolutely LOVE this thing and dare I say it is one of the best figures I have ever owned. I am putting it up there with the DX15 Jack Sparrow. I have very few complaints. One of the biggest is I feel the base is a bit too small. I love the detailing on it, but if it had more room for the figure itself that would be ideal. As is, I still think it looks good. I knew going into it the hat was going to suck and yes it's poor out of the box. I worked on it for about 10 minutes and now I am happy with it. This is my first Asmus figure and while the price was steep (especially after import fees), I have no regrets. I plan on holding onto this for years.

Perfect solution to the hat! Love it! I'm hoping I can track down a second sculpt and I will definitely be doing that mod for a second display in my Fellowship shelf. And I agree with everything you mentioned in your review. Aside from a few small issues thus really is a stellar figure. It's funny you mentioned the DX15 as I have mine displayed right next to my modded Dx15 Jack.


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[yy0925]

I got the figure all together, did all the necessary futzing, and finally got to execute my idea for the hat. The patch blocking the hole comes of super easy; I was able to literally just pull it off. Took out the magnet and the foam, stuffed about half of it tight with aluminum foil, stuffed the foam back in a voila. I am personally happy with the hat now; don't feel the need to get a custom one.

To everyone who is complaining about this figure in all sorts of ways..... I simply don't understand. Like a few of the complaints (ex/ hat) I can totally understand, but other stuff like the base being a fail or the accessories sucking? What? Or even the eyes, I admit they are hard to photograph but in person I see no issue with them. Definitely blown out of proportion on this thread IMO. I mean at the end of the day, like what you like but I think later on down the road those who have cancelled will be regretting it and most of the community will be praising this thing for years to come.

I absolutely LOVE this thing and dare I say it is one of the best figures I have ever owned. I am putting it up there with the DX15 Jack Sparrow. I have very few complaints. One of the biggest is I feel the base is a bit too small. I love the detailing on it, but if it had more room for the figure itself that would be ideal. As is, I still think it looks good. I knew going into it the hat was going to suck and yes it's poor out of the box. I worked on it for about 10 minutes and now I am happy with it. This is my first Asmus figure and while the price was steep (especially after import fees), I have no regrets. I plan on holding onto this for years.

Great job with the hat! It's the first time the figure looks good with it.

Do I understand you correctly that you basically opend the hat and removed the magnet?

Great review, beautiful pictures, and thank you very much for the tips on the hat. Yours's is looking great !

Also, great work on the hair. I think its super important to create some volume with the hair on both sides to shape the head properly, which you've done an awesome job. Don't understand why people care if other collectors buy or skip a certain piece since as it won't affect your personal enjoyment. Let them complain, i mean give their opinion, maybe its what brings them joy. Still waiting upon receiving mine.

That's a behaviour I often don't understand here.

If people don't like a figure, they can say their opinions and just move on.
But no, they must keep coming back and repeating instead. Like they have a problem with others liking it.
Why?

 

[ShadowGuardian]

Simply amazing. So you removed the patch of the hat, removed half of the foam and the stuffed back tighter and then the magnet? or not magnet at all? (Gonna do as as yours)

Great job with the hat! It's the first time the figure looks good with it.

Do I understand you correctly that you basically opend the hat and removed the magnet?

No not quite! I should have taken step by step pictures but honestly it isn't too complicated.

1. Remove the hat patch.
2. Remove the foam and magnet. Set aside foam, discard magnet.
3. Using your fingers, go around the hole and carefully tug on it to stretch it out a bit. Be gentle. If you have an extra 1/6 head it helps to shove that in there (I had a terrible 1/6 Jared Leto Joker head from a knock off that I used) to widen it.
4. Grab some aluminum foil and stuff about half of the hat with it. It may be easiest to make a small aluminum foil cylinder to stuff into the very tip, then adding in more behind that. It may take a little trial and error. You want to pack it in pretty good. You can then pose/form the hat in the shape you'd like.
5. Take the foam piece and shove it back in, ideally in a way that will cover the foil completely while also pushing the whole foil area back a bit.
6. Carefully place the hat onto the head, be gentle and get it so the brim comes down just above the eyes.

Also thanks for all the kind words everyone, I'm glad you enjoy the pictures!

 

[FlyAndFight]

Great work Rzeznikk! The moustache, in particular, is what really benefits from additional "hair". The eyebrows really add that extra special touch.

Nice job with the hat, Shadow Guardian, and thanks for the tutorial.

 

[thebreen]

I asked BBTS about getting a defective wizard staff and no pipe. They basically said at this time they can?t do much about it unless I want to return the whole figure (which I don?t want to do as I am happy otherwise).

I don?t like the hat, but I expected I wouldn?t , and made my peace with that before ordering. I hated the cloth hat on the other Gandalf so I didn?t expect this one to be better... Still, others have had success with small modifications with the hat, so maybe I?ll give it a shot. I am worried about the cloth eventually staining the headsculpt though.

Still, I love the figure, in spite of its flaws, but I also completely understand why people are ticked off with these problems.

Hopefully Asmus sends out new staffs and pipes to customers since it sounds like a lot of us have this problem. That, at least, shouldn?t be that expensive to address.

Still, their silence on the issue is worrying.

 

[Rzeznikk]

Great work Rzeznikk! The moustache, in particular, is what really benefits from additional "hair". The eyebrows really add that extra special touch.

Nice job with the hat, Shadow Guardian, and thanks for the tutorial.

Thank you Sir. [emoji120] it does help the likeness quite a bit I think. I might try and add a bit more or try to clean it up some. I wish I had a camera with a macro lens. As I'm trying to do this with eye goggles and then also trying to look with my photo zoomed in [emoji38] Im a damn novice

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[agonistes86]

Great work on the hat, ShadowGuardian! And nice futzing and posing too.

 

[Joe The Collector]

Digging into the shipping restrictions a bit more, and the reason why as a day 1 pre-order here I still don't have mine.

https://www.post.gov.tw/post/intern...ews_cat=201&group_name=&news_type=latest_news

Seems from what Asmus have said that if your on this list, you should have yours.

Its odd that Chunghwa Post feel it safe to ship to say, ship to France for example, which I believe has just gone into a 3rd lockdown and Europe in general is quite far behind in terms of vaccinations and yet the UK doing quite well in that (for a change) we are still prohibited. I wonder how long this will go on, could be six months Asmus are sitting on them.